Creamy Wisconsin Cheddar Beer Soup with Roasted Poblano
Experience the rich and hearty flavors of Wisconsin with this delightful Cheddar Beer Soup! This unique recipe transforms classic beer cheese soup by incorporating roasted poblano chiles, giving it a delicious twist. The balanced combination of creamy cheddar, aromatic sautéed vegetables, and just the right hint of beer ensures that the flavors meld beautifully without being overpowering. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting family dinner, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon fat
1 tablespoon (melted)
White onion
1/2 (chopped)
Shallot
1 large (chopped)
Garlic clove
1 (chopped)
Pure chile powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Chopped parsley
1 tablespoon (none)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Beer
1/2 cup (none)
Chicken broth
4 cups (none)
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (none)
Poblano chiles
2 small (roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced)
Shredded cheddar cheese
5 oz. (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Lime
1/2 (juice of)
Instructions
1
In a large sauce or soup pan, heat the bacon fat over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion, shallot, garlic, and chili powder to the pan. Sauté for about two minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped parsley, ground cumin, and beer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it boil for five minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by half.
4
Once reduced, add the chicken broth and bring it back to a boil.
5
Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for a few minutes until it forms a roux.
6
Gradually ladle some of the hot soup mixture into the roux, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once you have created a smooth mixture, pour it back into the main soup pot.
7
Lower the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes to develop the flavors.
8
Remove the soup from heat, then blend it with an immersion blender or carefully transfer batches to a blender to achieve a smooth consistency.
9
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and diced roasted poblano chiles. Season with salt to taste and add the lime juice just before serving.
10
Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Wisconsin Cheddar Beer Soup with Roasted Poblano?
It is a rich and hearty twist on the classic Wisconsin beer cheese soup, incorporating roasted poblano chiles for a unique flavor profile.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The key ingredients include bacon fat, onion, shallot, garlic, beer, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and roasted poblano chiles.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a total of 15 ingredients.
What type of fat is used to sauté the vegetables?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of melted bacon fat to provide a smoky base flavor.
How do I prepare the poblano chiles?
The poblano chiles should be roasted, peeled, seeded, and diced before being added to the soup.
What kind of beer should I use?
While the specific type isn't mentioned, a classic lager or ale works best to balance the creamy cheddar without being overpowering.
How long should the beer boil?
The beer should boil for five minutes to allow the liquid to reduce by half.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened using a roux made from two tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of flour.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
After adding the roux, the soup should simmer uncovered for about 40 minutes to develop its flavors.
When should I add the cheddar cheese?
The shredded cheddar cheese is stirred in at the end, after the soup has been removed from the heat and blended.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a mild warmth from the roasted poblanos and a teaspoon of pure chile powder, but it is generally considered creamy and balanced.
How do I achieve a smooth consistency?
You should use an immersion blender or carefully transfer batches to a standard blender after the simmering process.
What is the role of lime juice in this recipe?
The juice of half a lime is added just before serving to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the rich cheese.
Can I substitute the bacon fat?
Yes, you can substitute bacon fat with butter or oil, though you will lose some of the smoky depth.
What spices are included in the soup?
The soup is seasoned with pure chile powder, ground cumin, and salt.
Does this recipe use both onions and shallots?
Yes, it uses half a white onion and one large shallot for a complex aromatic base.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth.
How much cheddar cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
This soup is served hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one tablespoon of chopped parsley.
How do I prevent lumps in the roux?
Gradually ladle some of the hot soup mixture into the roux while stirring continuously before pouring it all back into the main pot.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include cheddar cheese soup, beer soup, poblano chiles, comfort food, and wisconsin recipes.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and the bacon fat with butter.
Is this a good recipe for gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for cozy gatherings or comforting family dinners.
What is the texture of the finished soup?
The soup has a smooth, creamy texture thanks to the roux and blending, with added texture from the diced poblanos.
Do I need to peel the garlic?
Yes, you should chop the garlic clove before adding it to the sauté pan.
How many poblano chiles are used?
The recipe uses 2 small poblano chiles.
Is there a specific way to stir in the cheese?
Stir it in after the soup is removed from the heat to ensure it melts smoothly without seizing.
What is the base liquid of the soup?
The base is a combination of beer and chicken broth.
Can I add more salt?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with salt to taste at the very end.